Aotea Centre
Opened in 1990 by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Aotea Centre is a multi-purpose venue of world-class design featuring optimal flexibility across the centre, the latest technology, contemporary furnishings, and a large collection of New Zealand artwork. Comprising the ASB Auditorium, the Herald Theatre and a range of foyers, bars and function rooms, the venue fulfils a dream for many Aucklanders – to have a world-class performing arts centre in the Auckland CBD.
The Maori name “Aotea” has several meanings in English, the most common one being “White Cloud” or “beyond the mist, a new beginning”.
Aotea Centre is a showcase for significant New Zealand artwork and a magnet for international artists and events.
In 1988, as part of the building of Aotea Centre, THE EDGE commissioned a significant body of work from prominent New Zealand artists. The pieces, which take pride of place throughout the Aotea Centre, comprise some of New Zealand’s most highly regarded artworks.
Since its opening, Aotea Centre has been widely used by New Zealand performing artists and companies. The venue has also hosted countless international artists and events... Stéphane Grappelli, Gene Pitney, Victor Borge, Sir Harry Secombe, Shirley Bassey, Cleo Laine & Johnny Dankworth, José Carreras, Celine Dion, k.d.lang, Simply Red, Harry Connick Jr, Joss Stone, Dionne Warwick, Marianne Faithful, Michael Bublé, Alicia Keys, Simple Minds, Billy Connolly, Lenny Henry, Royal Shakespeare Company, Sydney Dance Company, Australian Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsallis, Rambert Dance Company, Cirque Eloize, Ballet Preljocaj, Riverdance - The Show, The New Rocky Horror Show, 42nd Street, Burn the Floor, Les Misérables, Chess - The Musical...
ASB Theatre auditorium refurbishment
The ASB Theatre has been one of the busiest spaces in Auckland since it opened over 20 years ago and now the auditorium getting a makeover.
The project takes place in two stages, with the Stalls (ground level) the focus for this summer and the Circle being renovated the following year. When the first stage completes in late March 2012, the Stalls will have new seating and greater accessibility, enhanced acoustic response and contemporary aesthetics.
When the second stage of work is complete in early 2013, the ASB Theatre will be New Zealand’s premier lyric theatre..
We’re very excited about the improvements - the ‘new, improved’ auditorium will be a fantastic place to visit.